Collar support



6, 1929- w. E OLIVER 1,723,202

COLLAR SUPPORT Filed Nov. 25, 1927 lnveniow' Walievfl Oliver",

Patented Aug. 6, 1929.

UNITED STATES WALTER E. OLIVER, OF SOUTH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS;

COLLAR SUPPORT.

Application filed November 25, 1927.

This invention relates to soft collars, in which I include what are sometimes known as semi-soft collars, as distinguished from the customary stifi', starched collars used by men, and the object is to provide a simple and effective device for improving the appearance of such collars while not detracting from ease and comfort.

My invention will be well understood by reference to the following description of the specific embodiment thereof shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1 and 2 are partial front views of two detachable collars of slightly different styles, each having devices embodying my invention applied thereto, as illustrated in dotted lines; and

Fig. 3 is an elevation of one of the devices detached.

In the embodiment of my invention herein shown 1 provide means for tensioning the free or lapel edge of a collar of the turn-over type and for this purpose I provide a suitable detachable support 4 having resiliently divergent legs, such support being conveniently formed, as shown in Fig. 3, of a short length of spring wire, of slightly bowed form and having at its ends suitable provision for engaging it with the fabric of the collar, herein integral hooks having offset shanks 5 and terminal pointed bills 6. The wire 4 may be compressed to adapt it to the length of the free edge of the collar and applied to the under-side thereof with the extremities adjacent the extremities of the free edge 7. The pointed bills of the hooks will pierce the fabric of the collar while the offset shoulders will limit this penetration and prevent the resiliency of the device from causing it to pierce? the entire fabric of the collar, thus firmly securing the device in position without danger of displacement in use. The resilient tension of the wire will hold the edge 7 of the collar stretched, imparting a neat appearance thereto and holding it smooth around the necktie.

The size of the support is such that the device may be engaged as described with the customary variety of collars, being compressed more or less to suit, as indicated by the contrast of Figs. 1 and 2, while at the same time it is so small or narrow transversely, viewing Fig. 3, that it leaves the two Serial No. 235.421

circumferential edges of the collar substantially unrestranied and with their natural comfortable flexibility. There, is nothing to gall either the neck or the shoulder. This may be effected by making the device of such breadth that although, as shown in Fig. 3, it would lie flat in the plane of the paper, it may be applied to the collar as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 without apparent discongruity with the curve of the neck in spite of its plane character. It underlies the flap or lapel of the collar without needing to be and without in fact being curved to the circumferential curvature which the collar takes around theneck in use. The bow of the wire in use will rest against the necktie which will effectively hold it in position with the concavity toward the edge 7 of the collar and will also serve to protect the neck from pressure due to any tendency of the device to twist. In practice, however, I have not noticed that such twisting tendency is appreciable.

Obviously the device may be very cheaply manufactured. It is very readily adjusted by the user as a clean collar is put on or removed when the collar is ready for the laundry. In the form illustrated no modification or change of the collar itself is neces sary.

I have described in detail the particular embodiment of my invention shown. The construction, however, might be varied without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the annexed claims.

1. In combination with a soft collar of the turn-over type having an outer fold with free edges, the supports therefor each consisting of a bowed elastic wire underlying the fold of the collar and having means at its ends for engaging the fabric of said fold adjacent the extremities of a free edge 7, the bow of the wire as a whole being spaced from the circumferential edges of the fold whereby the support serves to tension said free edge 7 without interference with the flexibility of the circumferential edges of the collar.

2. In combination with a soft collar of the turn-over type having an outer fold with free edges, the supports therefor each consisting of a bowed elastic wire underlying the fold of the collar and having at its end outwardly pointing sharp hooks to pierce to tension said free edge 7 Without interfen the fabric of said fold adjacent the extremience with the flexibility of the circumferenties of a free edge 7 and to be held in ential edges of thecollar. 1 gagement with the fabric by the elastic In testimony whereof, I have signed my 5 stress of the Wire, the bow of the wire as a name to this specification.

Whole being spaced from the circumferential edges of the fold whereby the support serves WALTER E. OLIVER. 

